Your guide to Florida's outdoors, by Sandra Friend, Florida's hiking expert, and her co-author John Keatley, covering the Florida Trail and other trails throughout Florida.

Hiking Bronson State Forest

One of the most beautiful new sections of the Florida Trail is scarcely a year old. At Bronson State Forest, a 13+ mile linear hike – starting at either Seminole Ranch CA or Chuluota Wilderness Area – showcases a surprising array of habitats in the St. Johns River basin, from extensive palm hammocks to rosemary scrub to pine flatwoods with pitcher plant bogs. Two campsites are set beneath the spread of ancient live oaks, and a bench lets you sit and contemplate Christmas Creek.

The Florida Trail is only the tip of the iceberg, however, of hiking through this relatively young state forest. Members of the Central Chapter of the Florida Trail Association have been busy at work building loop trails through the forest as well, including one that connects to the Econlockhatchee River. This spring, a special effort will be underway by the “CCC” – Central Chapter Crew – to build a new section of trail along the river, connecting with Little-Big Econ State Forest. Volunteers are welcome to come out and be a part of this effort to open yet another new hiking trail in the Orlando area!

Comments

I had no idea about the new trail, I can’t wait to be a part of it. My work schedule has been hectic but I would really like to volunteer to be a part of this effort, especially being so close to Orlando. I will also tell my friend about it, she has more time to give.